Data and power selectable device charger

ABSTRACT

A selectable USB charging cable which may have a switch configured to permissively control the transmission of an electrical current between two internet connected, or electronically powered, devices. By use of the reversibly selectable switch, a user of the charging cable may select an on configuration or an off configuration of the switch. The switch may reversibly stop the transmission of the electrical current between two electronically powered devices by use of a permissible selection between the on configuration and off configuration of the switch. The electrical current stopped by the switch may correspond to data transmission or power transmission to or from an electronically powered device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationNo. 62/965,272 filed Jan. 24, 2020, the contents of which areincorporated by this reference in the entirety for all purposes as iffully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates generally to devices and methods for theprotection of data and the election of power transmission between twoelectronic devices. More particularly, the disclosure relates to devicesand methods to facilitate the selection of data transmission and powertransmission by way of a physical disconnection at any location of acharging cable, including the terminal ends, which results in desiredprotection of data and charge capacity of a battery.

BACKGROUND

Chargers for devices are well known in the art, and there are manyvarieties for consumers to select from. These charging devices haveindependent wiring which may be used for data transmission, powertransmission, and identification of the charging device. Because thesedevices incorporate the data and power transmission cables and portsinto one charging package, there is a strong potential for a user's datato be stolen when charging at unknown locations, or when using unknowncharging devices.

While there is encryption software available to users of data andinternet-connected devices, such encryption software may still becomevulnerable to hackers. Regardless of the strength of any encryptionprotocol, there will be a more advanced software program ready toattempt to crack the encryption code or to seek various backdoorentryways into data caches. Moreover, encryption may be bypassedentirely if an internet-connected device does not recognize a dataconnection as being untrustworthy. Such attacks already occur routinelyand with ease.

Data breaches can result in billions of dollars annually in lost revenueand lost control over data. When data breaches occur, hackers andmalevolent actors may alter the data resulting in fomenting a sense ofuntrustworthiness in the data being observed. It remains a criticalpriority of any individual who relies on data to be able to trust thedata being used.

What is needed is a charging device wherein the data of a user may bephysically protected. Such a device would limit and/or prohibit thephysical connection between the data port of the charging device and thedevice being charged. Such a physical prohibition of contact wouldobviate the need for use of reliance on encryption software. Moreover,such a charging device may be electable between power transmission anddata transmission. This would allow a greater degree of control for theuser of these charging devices and would prevent needless billions ofdollars annually in data breach recovery.

SUMMARY

This disclosure may relate to a selectable USB charger cable that mayhave a first plug that may be connected to one end of a chord and asecond plug which may be connected to the other end of the same chord.The chord may span between the first plug and the second plug. Further,the first plug and the second plug may each have a multiplicity ofconnector pins. The cord may further have a multiplicity of transmissionwires. The transmission wires and the connector pins may be configuredfor transmission of an electrical current. Additionally, a switch may beconfigured to permissively control the transmission of the electricalcurrent by use of a reversible selection of an “on” configuration or an“off” configuration of the switch.

The switch may be configured to reversibly stop the transmission of theelectrical current between two electronically powered devices by use ofa permissible selection between an on configuration and an offconfiguration of the switch. The switch may also be connected to thedata transmission wires and power transmission wires and be configuredto permissively control the electrical conduction of the transmissionalong the data transmission wires and power supply wires. The switch mayalso be connected to either the first plug or the second plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depictonly several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are notto be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be describedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of accompanyingdrawings. Accordingly, further advantages of the present invention maybecome apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and uponreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view a prior art port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a selectively modified port of a chargingdevice in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use incharging internet-connected devices;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a selectively modified port of a chargingdevice in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use incharging internet-connected devices;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a selectively modified port of acharging device in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment for usein charging internet-connected devices;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a selectively modified port of acharging device in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment for usein charging internet-connected devices;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a switch is employed to selectbetween a connected and unconnected power port;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a switch is employed to selectbetween a connected and unconnected data port;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a switch is deployed to an end of thecharging device designed to mate with an internet-connected device;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a switch is deployed to an end of thecharging device designed to mate with a standard USB wall charging unit;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified cable of a charging devicein accordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a toggle type switch is deployed assome point along the charging cable;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a toggle type switch is deployed at aterminal end of a charging device;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a sliding type switch is deployed ata terminal end of a charging device;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a modified cable of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a toggle type switch is deployed atsome point along the length of a cable of a charging device;

FIG. 14 is a non-limiting schematic view of a circuit pathway by which amodified cable of an embodiment of a charging device may route powerand/or data to a portable internet-connected device;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a sliding type switch is illustratedin a data on configuration;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a modified port of a charging device inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment for use in charginginternet-connected devices wherein a sliding type switch is illustratedin a data off configuration;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a first plug with all first plug connectorpins displayed in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a second plug with all second plug connectorpins displayed in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a push-type switch wherein an LED indicatorlight is shown in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the internal components of thepush-type switch shown in FIG. 19 wherein an LED indicator light isshown in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective top and side view of one potential embodimentof a selectable USB charger terminal port wherein the data connectorsand the power connectors have been isolated to respective ends of theplug;

FIG. 22 is a perspective top and side view of one potential embodimentof a selectable USB charger terminal port wherein the data connectorsand the power connectors have been isolated to respective ends of theplug and the plug is selected to a power only transmittableconfiguration;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of one potential embodiment of aselectable USB charger terminal port wherein the data connectors and thepower connectors have been isolated to respective ends of the plug;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adaptorfor use with a preexisting prior art USB plug wherein the adaptor isconfigured to engage with the male end of the prior art USB plug; and,

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adaptorfor use with a preexisting prior art USB plug wherein the adaptor isillustrating both a female adaptor end and a male adaptor end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of systems, components, and methods of assembly andmanufacture will now be described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations aredisclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the embodiments described herein extend beyond the specificallydisclosed configurations, examples, and illustrations, and can includeother users of the disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. The terminology used in the descriptions presented herein isnot intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive mannersimply because it is being used in conjunction with a detaileddescription of certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. Inaddition, embodiments of the disclosure can comprise several novelfeatures and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirableattributes or is essential to practicing any one of the severalembodiments herein described.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for thepurpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. Forexample, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions in thedrawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,”“left,” “right,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom” and “side” describe theorientation and/or location of portions of the components or elementswithin a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clearby reference to the text and the associated drawings describing thecomponents or elements under discussion. Moreover, terms such as“first,” “second,” “third,” and so on may be used to describe separatecomponents. Such terminology may include the words specially mentionedabove, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

“Permissible” as may be used herein may refer to the selective abilityof a user of the selectable USB (Universal Serial Bus) charger 100 toselectively alternate the configuration of a switch 120 to an onconfiguration or an off configuration. An on configuration may mean thatthe electrical circuit is configured to allow the transmission ofcurrent through the selectable USB charger 100 in its entirety. An offconfiguration may mean that the electrical circuit is configured toprohibit the transmission of current through the selectable USB charger100 in its entirety. Permissible and “permissively” may beinterchangeable terms. The term “control the electrical” current mayrefer to the alternation between an on configuration and an offconfiguration.

Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identicalor corresponding features throughout the several views. Described hereinare certain non-limiting embodiments of a selectable USB (UniversalSerial Bus) charger 100 for use in the protection and support of safedata and power transmissions and controls therein. An“internet-connected” device as used herein shall refer to any devicewhich may have a connection to the internet or may store and retrievesensitive data whether the device is connectable to the internet or not.

Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a standard layout of pins for a priorart micro universal serial bus (USB) connector 200. Indicated from leftto right are a power pin 102, a first data pin 104, a second data pin106, an identification pin 108, and a ground pin 110. Collectively, thepower pin 102, the first data pin 104, the second data pin 106, theidentification pin 108, the ground pin 110, and any other pin type maycollectively be referred to as a connector pins 112. This left to rightorientation is common to the industry, but all possible iterations andcombinations are both contemplated and possible when designing a layoutfor connector pins 112. Moreover, this disclosed list of the power pin102, the first data pin 104, the second data pin 106, the identificationpin 108, and the ground pin 110 is not exhaustive, and other pin typesexist and are contemplated to function as described herein. Thus, theterm connector pin 112 as used in this disclosure shall refer to anycontemplated pin incorporated into any contemplated layout for anycontemplated USB type connector. Accordingly, any connector pin 112 maybe physically retracted or may have the capability to have the signalphysically blocked from transmission from one end to another end of theselectable USB charger 100.

Further shown is a housing 114. The housing 114 is designed to enclosethe connector pins 112, including but not limited to the first data pin104, the second data pin 106, the identification pin 108, the ground pin110, and any other type of connector pin 112. Moreover, the housing 114may aid in guiding the alignment between an internet-connected device115 (as shown in FIG. 14) and that of the USB for use in charging saiddevice. The internet-connected device 115 as illustrated in FIG. 14 maybe any type of device which has, will have, or has had connectivity tothe internet. Moreover, the use of the term internet-connected device115 may be synonymous with electronically powered device 115 asdescribed herein and illustrated in FIG. 14. Further, it will beunderstood that more than one electronically powered device 115 may bedescribed at one time. Thus if this disclosure refers to a firstelectronically powered device 115, a second electronically powereddevice (not shown), or a third electronically powered device (notshown), then it will be known that the same reference number shallconstitute an electronically powered device 115 generally and does notrefer to any single specific electronically powered device 115. Further,the use of the term “first” and “second” in regards to an electronicallypowered device 115 shall mean different, as in, not the sameelectronically powered device 115 such that the selectable USB charger100 will not make a first connection to a first electronically connecteddevice 115 and then loop back to the first electronically powered device115, the first electronically powered devices 115 and secondelectronically powered device (not shown) are not the same devices.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is one embodiment of the selectable USBcharger 100 as it related to the disclosure herein. This embodimentrepresents a USB type connector wherein the power pin 102 (as seen inFIGS. 1 and 3) has been retracted and thus may not be capable of makingphysical contact with any respective internet-connected device 115 (asshown in FIG. 14). Therefore, no power charging functions could beachieved by this particular configuration. The retraction (as shown inFIG. 16) may occur by any means known by those skilled in the art,including but not limited to; by way of a retention member (not shown)engaged at the base of the power pin 102, a biasing member (not shown)engaged at the base of the power pin 102, by use of a lever (not shown)engaged at the base of the power pin 102, or by use of a sliding-typeswitch 120 as shown in FIG. 16. The sliding-type switch 120 (as shown inFIG. 6), according to one embodiment, may be contemplated to bemechanically attached to the power pins 102 and/or data pins 104 wherebythe mechanical movement from an on configuration to an off configurationpulls and retains the connectors pins 112 and prevents contact with anyport of an internet-connected device (as shown in FIG. 14). As it mayrelate to this application, the term “on” in relation to the switch 120will mean that data or power transfer functionality is capable, whilethe term “off” will mean that data or power transfer functionality isnot capable.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is one additional embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 as it related to the disclosure herein. Thisembodiment represents a USB type connector wherein the first data pin104 and the second data pin 106 (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) have beenretracted and thus may not be capable of making physical contact withany respective internet-connected device 115 (as shown in FIG. 14).Therefore, no data transfer or data transmission functions could beachieved by this particular configuration. The retraction (as shown inFIG. 16) may occur by any means known by those skilled in the art,including but not limited to; by way of a retention member (not shown)engaged at the base of the first data pin 104 and second data pin 106, abiasing member (not shown) engaged at the base of the first data pin 104and second data pin 106, by use of a lever (not shown) engaged at thebase of the first data pin 104 and second data pin 106, or by use of asliding-type switch 120 as shown in FIG. 16. The sliding-type switch 120(as shown in FIG. 6), according to one embodiment, may be contemplatedto be mechanically attached to the power pins 102 and/or data pins 104whereby the mechanical movement from an on configuration to an offconfiguration pulls and retains the connectors pins 112 and preventscontact with any port of an internet-connected device (as shown in FIG.14).

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is one additional embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 as it related to the disclosure herein. Thisembodiment is similar to FIG. 2 and likewise represents a USB typeconnector wherein the power pin 102 (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3) has beenretracted and thus may not be capable of making physical contact withany respective internet-connected device 115 (as shown in FIG. 14).Therefore, no power charging functions could be achieved by thisparticular embodiment. The retraction (as illustrated in FIG. 16) mayoccur by any means known by those skilled in the art, including but notlimited to each of the previously described examples. Additionallyillustrated is that of a biased retention member 116 and a casing 118.The purpose of the biased retention member 116 is to ensure that theselectable USB charger 100 maintains connection contact with anyinternet-connected device 115 (as shown in FIG. 14). The casing 118 mayprotect the internal wiring (shown on FIGS. 6 and 7) from possibledamage through normal use of the selectable USB charger 100.

Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is one additional embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 as it related to the disclosure herein. Thisembodiment is similar to FIG. 3. This embodiment also represents a USBtype connector wherein the first data pin 104 and the second data pin106 (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) have been retracted and thus may not becapable of making physical contact with any respectiveinternet-connected device 115 (as shown in FIG. 14). Therefore, no datatransfer or transmission functions could be achieved by this particularembodiment with power transfer being the only possibility. Theretraction (not shown) may occur by any means known by those skilled inthe art, including but not limited to each of the previously describedexamples.

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a further embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 equipped with a switch 120 functionality.This particular illustration displays the internal wiring, collectivelyand singularly the internal wiring may be referred to as a transmissionwire 117 or transmission wires 117. Moreover, there may be one or morethan one transmission wire 117 which may transmit data, and there may beone or more than one transmission wire 117 which may transmit power.Where the internal wiring is displayed as having one or more than onetransmission wire 117, as it may appear without the casing 118 (seen inFIG. 5) or the external wire wrap (not shown), any one or more than oneof the transmission wires 117 may be assigned for any transmission taskcommonly known or used in the industry. The wiring may be connected to abacking plate 122 by way of a solder junction 123. The backing plate maybe constructed of silicone, any metal, any bimetal, plastic, or anyother material commonly known and understood in the industry. Thebacking plate 122 provides a connection point between the incomingwiring and any printed computer boards (not shown) that may beincorporated for the proper functionality of the selectable USB charger100. The switch 120 may be, by way of example only, a standard on-offtype switch, or a toggle type switch which may maintain a toggledconfiguration of on or off.

By way of example only, the switch 120 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 maybe a sliding type switch 120, while the switch illustrated in FIGS. 10and 11 may be of a toggle type switch 120. Other switch types arecontemplated provided that the switch provides a physical decoupling ofany given incoming wire transmission to that of the selectable USBcharger 100. The wiring of this particular embodiment may include apower supply wire 124, a first data transmission wire 126, a second datatransmission wire 128, and a ground wire 130. The particular placementof the switch in this embodiment may be adjacent to the incoming powersupply wire 124, and thus this embodiment represents a switch 120 withpower cut off functionality. However, it is contemplated that theselectable USB charger 100 may incorporate a power shut offfunctionality and a data shut off functionality on the same selectableUSB charger 100 and this FIG. 6 by no means limits this disclosure tothe particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. The term “first” and“second” as used herein may simply refer to there being one or more thanone transmission wire 117 and is used for clarity only. The term “atransmission wire 117” as used in this disclosure may refer to either afirst data transmission wire 126 or a second data transmission wire 128.

Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated is a further embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 equipped with a switch 120 functionality.This particular illustration, as was the case with FIG. 6, displays theinternal wiring as it may appear without the casing 118 (seen in FIG.5). The wiring may be connected to a backing plate 122 by way of asolder junction 123. The solder junction 123 represents the physicalcoupling of any one wire with the backing plate 122. The solder junction123 may not be limited to the use of solder, but is contemplated to makethe connection types other than solder, by way of example only; withscrews, with welds, or by use of epoxides or other potentiallyconductive thermoplastic resins. The wiring of this particularembodiment may include a power supply wire 124, a first datatransmission wire 126, a second data transmission wire 128, and a groundwire 130. The particular placement of the switch in this embodiment maybe adjacent to the incoming first data transmission wire 126 and seconddata transmission wire 128, and thus this embodiment represents a switch120 with data transmission cut off functionality. However, it iscontemplated that the selectable USB charger 100 may incorporate powershut off functionality and data shut off functionality on the sameselectable USB charger 100 and this FIG. 7 by no means limits thisdisclosure to the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 8, shown is an additional embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 as it may appear to an end consumer and user.Accordingly, the selectable USB charger 100 is displayed with a cord 132having a first plug 134 to one end of the cord 132 and a second plug 136to the other end. The first plug 134 and the second plug 136 may be anytype of plug known or used in the industry, including but not limitedto; USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, mini-USB, micro-USB, or USB 3. Further, thefunctionality of the physical decoupling of the power and datatransmission lines is contemplated to be incorporable on future USB typeplugs, or on any plug which may transmit data and power over the samecord 132 or similar type of cord (not shown) which is known and used inthe industry. Moreover, all connector pins 112 which may be isolated tothe first plug may be collectively referred to as first plug connectorpins 113 (as seen in the dotted box in FIG. 17) and all connector pinsisolated to the second plug may collectively be referred to as secondplug connector pins 119 (as seen in the dotted box in FIG. 18).Accordingly, the switch 120 functionality is incorporated into theportion of the selectable USB charger 100 which may engage with aninternet-connected device 115 (as indicated in FIG. 14).

Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is an additional embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 as it may appear to an end consumer and userof the selectable USB charger 100. Accordingly, the selectable USBcharger 100 is displayed as a cord 132 with a first plug 134 to one endof the cord 132 and a second plug 136 to the other end. The first plug134 and the second plug 136 may be any type of plug known or used in theindustry, including but not limited to; USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, mini-USB,micro-USB, or USB 3. Further, the functionality of the physicaldecoupling of the power and data transmission lines is contemplated tobe incorporable on future USB type plugs, or on any plug which maytransmit data and power over the same cord 132 or similar type of cord(not shown) which is known and used in the industry. Accordingly, theswitch 120 functionality is incorporated into the portion of theselectable USB charger 100 which may engage with a wall outlet (notshown) or other power supply source (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, shown are additional embodiments ofthe selectable USB charger 100 as it may appear to an end consumer anduser of the selectable USB charger 100. Accordingly, the selectable USBcharger 100 is displayed as a cord 132 with a first plug 134 to one endof the cord 132 and a second plug 136 to the other end. In accordancewith the previously noted statement, the first plug 134 and the secondplug 136 may be any type of plug known or used in the industry.Accordingly, the switch 120 functionality in FIG. 10 may be incorporatedinto any portion of the length of the cable 132. Moreover, the switch120 illustrated in FIG. 10 may be that of a toggle type switch 120wherein pressing or de-pressing will activate the switch 120, and aretaining member (not shown) will maintain the switch in either apressed or de-pressed position. The toggle switch 120 with retainingmember (not shown) is that of any commonly used toggle switch which mayphysically decouple two segments of a single transmission wire 117. Theswitch 120 functionality of FIG. 11 may likewise be that of a toggletype switch 120 and may be illustrated as being deployed to a terminalend of the selectable USB charger 100. Said terminal end may correspondto a portion which may engage with a wall outlet (not shown) or otherpower supply source (not shown) or that of an internet-connected device115 (shown in FIG. 14).

Referring now to FIG. 12, shown is an additional embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 which is similar to the embodiment depictedin FIG. 8. Accordingly, the selectable USB charger 100 is illustratedwith a cord 132 having a first plug 134 to one end of the cord 132 and asecond plug 136 to the other end. The first plug 134 and the second plug136 may be any type of plug known or used in the industry and inaccordance with the previously noted statement. Accordingly, the switch120 functionality illustrated in FIG. 12 may be that of a sliding-typeswitch 120 wherein the physical movement of the switch 120 maycorrespond with the physical movement of a connector pin 112 (asillustrated in FIG. 16). FIG. 12 illustrates the switch 120 asincorporated into the portion of the selectable USB charger 100 whichmay engage with an internet-connected device 115 (as indicated in FIG.14) or that of a power supply.

Referring now to FIG. 13, shown is an additional embodiment of theselectable USB charger 100 which is similar to the embodiment depictedin FIG. 10. FIG. 13 shows the internal wiring as a wiring schematic forthe manufacture of the selectable USB charger 100. As similar to FIG.10, the selectable USB charger 100 is illustrated with a cord 132 havinga first plug 134 to one end of the cord 132 and a second plug 136 to theother end. The internal wiring of this illustration shows the powersupply wire 124, the first data transmission wire 126, the second datatransmission wire 128, and the ground wire 130. Accordingly, thisillustration of FIG. 12 depicts the internal configuration as indicatedin FIG. 10, with a switch 120 being deployed along a length of the cord132.

The switch 120 as illustrated in FIG. 13 may be shown as being deployedto the first data transmission wire 126. The toggling, or sliding of theswitch 120 may correspond to an on and an off configuration for the datafunctionality of the selectable USB charger 100. The first plug 134 andthe second plug 136 may be any type of plug known or used in theindustry and in accordance with the previously noted statement.Accordingly, the switch 120 functionality illustrated in FIG. 13 may bethat of a sliding-type switch 120 wherein the physical movement of theswitch 120 may correspond with the physical inability of a signal to betransmitted from the first plug 134 to the second plug 136 or viceversa. Alternatively, the switch 120 functionality illustrated in FIG.13 may be that of a toggling type switch 120 wherein the pressing orde-pressing movement of the switch 120 may correspond with the physicalinability of a signal to be transmitted from the first plug 134 to thesecond plug 136 or vice versa.

FIG. 14 may illustrate one potential wiring schematic for the switch 120to be deployed to the first data transmission wire 126. Other potentialembodiments may follow this basic wiring schematic as illustrated inFIG. 14, including the switch 120 being deployed on the second datatransmission wire 128, the power supply wire 124, or the ground wire 130as may be needed by the ultimate desires of the end-user. Illustrated isa stand-in for any internet-connected device 115 in dotted lines. Usingthis schematic, persons skilled in the art may follow the path of anelectrical charge and/or a data packet as it leaves a source 138 andencounters the switch 120. At this point, if the switch is selected toan off configuration, then only the power supply wire 124 may be activeand power may then be transmitted along the power supply wire 124without concern for data transmission along the first data transmissionwire 126. If a user should elect to also have data transmission alongthe first data transmission wire 126, then the switch 120 may be placedinto an on configuration and data may be transmitted along a completedcircuit. It should be noted that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14is not limiting, and switch 120 could be placed on the second datatransmission wire 128, the power supply wire 124, or onto the groundwire 130 depending on the needs of the manufacturer or end-user. Furtherillustrated is resistor 140 of the internet-connected device 115 andelectrical ground 142 of the circuit. Additional symbols utilized in theschematic illustrated in FIG. 14 are commonly used should be understoodby those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 15 and 16 represent a USB-C type port 144. Commonly understood inthe industry is that USB-C type ports 144 utilize a multiplicity ofvarious connector pins 112. Illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 are that ofthe full array of connector pins 112 as shown in FIG. 15 and thoseconnector pins 112 which correspond to data transmission being retractedas illustrated in FIG. 16. Specifically, FIG. 15 illustrates how a USB—Ctype connection port 144 appears prior to retraction, while FIG. 16illustrates how the USB—C type connection port 144 appears subsequent toretraction. For convenient reference, the data pins have beenadditionally indicated as a third data pin 146, a fourth data pin 148, afifth data pin 150, and a sixth data pin 152. Collectively andthroughout this disclosure, these pins may be referred to as datatransmission pins 154. As indicated in FIG. 16, the data transmissionpins 154 are not capable of making connections with internet-connecteddevices (as illustrated in FIG. 14) and thus cannot transmit data.Accordingly, switch 120 as shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to an onconfiguration, while the switch shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to an offconfiguration.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, shown are an illustration representinga grouping of connector pins 112 as they relate to the first plug shownin FIG. 17 and the second plug shown in FIG. 18. Shown specifically inFIG. 17 are a collection of connector pins 112 which are isolated to thefirst plug and are referred to as first plug connector pins 113 asindicated with the illustration of the dotted box in FIG. 17. Throughoutthis disclosure, any connector pin 112 which may be isolated to thefirst plug may be referred to as a first plug connector pin 113. Thisdistinction between isolated groups of connector pins 112 may be madefor convenient reference. The specific first plug connector pins 113 asillustrated in FIG. 17 include but are not limited to a first plug powerpin 156, a first plug first data pin 158, a first plug second data pin160, and a first plug ground pin 162. The specific second plug connectorpins 119 illustrated in FIG. 18 include but are not limited to a secondplug power pin 164, a second plug first data pin 166, a second plugsecond data pin 168, a second plug identification pin 170, and a secondplug ground pin 172. Throughout this disclosure, any connector pin 112which may be isolated to the second plug may be referred to as a secondplug connector pin 119. As is illustrated in FIG. 15, there may be moreconnector pins 112 which have not been specifically identified hereinbut may be in later filings. This disclosure is not limited to thespecifically mentioned group of first plug connector pins 113 or thegroup of second plug connector pins 119.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, illustrated is one contemplated embodimentof an LED indicator 174 for the switch 120 which may be deployed toeither a plug (i.e. the first plug 134 or the second plug 136) or at anylength along the cord 132. This particular embodiment is described asbeing illuminated by an LED, but other possible illumination types arecontemplated. Moreover, the switch 120 as shown may be that of apush-type switch 120. FIG. 20 specifically illustrates that of apush-type switch 120 as it may be viewed through the casing 118surrounding the switch 120. The dotted line encircling the components ofthe switch 120 illustrates how the push-type switch 120 may appearwithout the casing 118. Other non-described portions which may beinternal to the dotted circle of FIG. 20 of the selectable USB charger100 switch 120 are not illustrated in an effort to simplify FIG. 20,though all other components needed for proper functioning are understoodto be present. The LED indicator 174 may be illuminated when the switch120 is in both the active and the inactive configuration and illuminatedby differing colors to indicate the status of the switch, or the LEDindicator 174 may be illuminated during only the active or only theinactive configuration of the switch 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23, shown is one contemplatedembodiment for a potential retraction means. Accordingly, the variousconnector pins 112 may be configured such that all pins related to datamay be isolated to one side and all pins relating to power may beisolated to another. FIG. 23 illustrates this isolation embodiment well.FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate how the potential means may operate.Illustrated is a data prong 176 and a power prong 178. The data prong176 may be configured to be anchored to the switch 120 by use of aconnection member 180. The connection member 180 may be engaged to thedata prong 176, the power prong 178, or both, depending on the needs ofthe consumer or manufacturer. The connection member 180 may beconfigured to link the switch 120 to either the data prong 176 or thepower prong 178, or both. Thus, with the mechanical linkage of theswitch 120 to the power pin 102, or data prong 176, or both, retractionof the switch 120 results in retraction of the data prong 176, or powerprong 178, or both. This is illustrated by the arrow above the switch120 in FIG. 21, wherein the leftward directional movement of the switch120 results in the data prong 176 as shown between FIG. 21 and FIG. 22.Accordingly, FIG. 22 illustrates how the data prong 176 may appear in aretracted configuration.

Moreover, even though it is not illustrated, it should be understoodthat the switch 120 may be divided such that either the data prong 176or the power prong 178 may be retracted independently. Thus, it iscontemplated that there may be a connection member 180 for the dataprong 176 and a connection member 180 for the power prong 178 thusresulting in independent movement of the data prong 176 and the powerprong 178 via the switch 120.

Further illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 are that of a retraction cavity182. The retraction cavity 182 may comprise a hollowed out portion ofthe casing 118 and may permit the proper movement of the data prong 176and/or the power prong 178 to move into the casing 118 therebypreventing physical contact with an internet-connected device 115.Moreover, the retraction cavity 182 may be sized such that anytransmission wires 117 (not shown) used to transmit data and/or powermay also have the available space to retract and fold into theretraction cavity 182.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate an additional potential embodiment for thephysical blocking of data and/or power transmission signals from a firstinternet-connected device 115 (not shown) to a second internet-connecteddevice 115 (not shown). Illustrated is the use of an adaptor 184 whichmay mate with an existing USB type plug such as the micro USB 200illustrated in FIG. 1. Here, such plug is illustrated as a prior artUSB—C type port 144 wherein the adaptor 184 may couple with anunmodified version of the USB—C type port 144. The adaptor 184 may beconfigured such that some of the connector pins 112 may be lacking as isillustrated in FIG. 25. Thus, coupling by the adaptor 184 may result inthe physical inability of the existing micro USB 200 or other prior artUSB being incapable of transmitting a signal between internet-connecteddevices 115 (not shown). For the adaptor 184 to have properfunctionality, it may be placed onto the male end of the prior art plug,and in between the male end of the prior art plug and the target inputport. As is illustrated in FIG. 25, the female adaptor end 186 isconfigured to mate with the male side (obscured in FIG. 24 by adaptor184) of any given prior art USB on the market currently with only thebasic connector pins 112 layouts and casing 118 sizings needingadjustment. Thus, while these FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate the adaptor 184as mate-able with a USB—C type port 144, any type connector and/or portis contemplated to function with the adaptor 184 both now in existenceand those types being developed.

The male adaptor end 188 is further configured to provide only thoseconnector pins 112 which may be used to deliver power, data, or aselection of power or data. Moreover, the particular selection ofconnector pins 112 which may be used in the adaptor 184 need not belimited to just data pins or power pins and may be any type of connectorpins 112 needed for a particular end consumers' need. The adaptor 184may likewise come with a retention strap 190 which may aid in retainingthe female adaptor end 186 to the prior art male USB end (not shown).The female adaptor end 186 further may have a pinboard 192 which maysupport the connector pins 112 for proper data and/or power transmissionto any given transmission wire 117.

Having disclosed the structure of the preferred embodiments, it is nowpossible to describe its function, operation, and use. The switch 120may result in total cut off of all power and data transmission, the cutoff of only power, or the cut off of only data. The switch 120 may beengageable in an on and an off configuration. The switch 120 may beplaced at any location on a selectable USB charger 100, including anyportion which may engage with an internet-connected device 115, whichmay engage with a power supply source (not shown), or along any portionof the cord 132.

One contemplated method of use of the selectable USB charger 100 may beby initially having a user of the selectable USB charger 100 decide ifthe power supply source (not shown) is a secure source, for example at ahome location or office location. Then, if the power supply source (notshown) is not a secure source, the user may then decouple the datatransmission capability by selecting the switch 120 to an offconfiguration. The said off configuration may occur by toggling or by aretraction means (as shown in FIG. 16). Said retraction means may occurby any means known by those skilled in the art, including but notlimited to; by way of a retention member (not shown) engaged at the baseof the power pin 102, a biasing member (not shown) engaged at the baseof the power pin 102, or by use of a lever (not shown) engaged at thebase of the power pin 102. Then the user of the selectable USB charger100 may engage the selectable USB charger 100 with the power supplysource (not shown) confident that no data may be harvested or stolenfrom the internet-connected device 115 (as shown in FIG. 14) which needscharging. To resume data transmission functionality, a user simply needsto alter the switch 120 to an on configuration as shown in FIG. 15.

An additionally contemplated method of the selectable USB charger 100may be a user of the selectable USB charger 100 initially deciding thatthe power supply source (not shown) is a secure source, for example at ahome location or office location. Then, subsequently realizing that thepower source (not shown) is not secure, then subsequently decoupling thedata transmission capability while the selectable USB charger is in useby way of altering the switch 120 to an off configuration. Then the userof the selectable USB charger 100 may continue to charge theinternet-connected device 115 by continued engagement of the selectableUSB charger 100 with the power supply source (not shown) confident thatno data may be harvested or stolen from the internet-connected devicefrom the point of altering the switch 120 to an off configuration. Toresume data transmission functionality, a user simply needs to alter theswitch 120 to an on configuration.

Additionally, a user may desire to only transmit data and does not wishto engage with a power supply, even though the internet-connected device(as shown in FIG. 14) may also provide power. Reasons for this are many,for example, if the device which contains the data has a fully chargedbattery, it may be desirable to avoid further power charging to extendthe life of the battery. Thus, the user may elect to decouple the powertransmission capability of the selectable USB charger 100. This may beperformed prior to engaging the internet-connected device 115 with theselectable USB charger 100 or while the selectable USB charger 100 is inuse by way of altering the switch 120 to an off configuration, or by aretraction means (not shown). To resume power transmissionfunctionality, a user simply needs to alter the switch 120 to an onconfiguration.

This disclosure herein relates to a power and data transfer selectableUSB charger 100 cable comprising a first plug 134 connected to one endof a chord 132 and a second plug 136 connected to the other end of thechord 132, where the chord 132 may span between the first plug 134 andthe second plug 136. Further, the first plug 134 and the second plug 136may each have a multiplicity of connector pins 112. The cord 132 mayfurther have a multiplicity of transmission wires 117. The transmissionwires 117 and the connector pins 112 may be configured for transmissionof an electrical current. Additionally, a switch 120 may be configuredto permissively control the transmission of the electrical current byuse of a reversible selection of an on configuration or an offconfiguration of the switch 120.

The multiplicity of transmission wires 117 may each individually furthercomprise a first data transmission wire 126, a second data transmissionwire 128, and a power supply wire 124. Additionally, the connector pinsmay each individually further comprise a power pin 102, a first data pin104, and a second data pin 106. The switch 120 may be connected to thefirst data transmission wire 128 and may be configured to permissivelycontrol the electrical current transmission of the first datatransmission wire 128. The switch 120 may also be connected to thesecond data transmission wire 128 and be configured to permissivelycontrol the electrical current transmission of the second datatransmission wire 128. The switch 120 may also be connected to the powersupply wire 124 and be configured to permissively control the electricalcurrent transmission of the power supply wire 124. The switch 120 mayalso be connected to the first plug 134 or the second plug 136 and beconfigured to retract the first data pin 104, the second data pin 106,the power pin 102, or any other connector pin 112 which may be presentin either the first plug or the second plug.

This disclosure herein may further relate to a data and power electabletransfer and fully selectable USB charger 100 cable which may comprise afirst plug 134 connected to one end of a chord 132 and a second plug 136connected to the other end of the chord 132, where the chord 132 mayspan between the first plug 134 and the second plug 136. Further,connector pins 112 which may be isolated to the first plug may becollectively referred to as first plug connector pins 113 in furtheraccord with the illustration of the dotted box in FIG. 17. Connectorpins which may be isolated to the second plug may collectively bereferred to as second plug connector pins 119 in accord to theillustration in the dotted box in FIG. 18). The first plug 134 may havea multiplicity of first plug connector pins 113 wherein one or more thanone of the connector pins may further each individually comprise a firstplug power pin 156, a first plug first data pin 158, a first plug seconddata pin 160, and a first plug ground pin 162. Additionally, the secondplug 136 may also have a multiplicity of second plug connector pins 119wherein one or more than one of the connector pins may individuallyfurther comprise a second plug power pin 162, a second plug first datapin 166, a second plug second data pin 168, a second plug identificationpin 179, and a second plug ground pin 172. The cord 132 may further havea multiplicity of transmission wires 117. The transmission wires 117,the first plug connection pins 113, and the second plug connection pins119 may be configured for transmission of an electrical current. Themultiplicity of transmission wires 117 may each individually furthercomprise a first data transmission wire 126, a second data transmissionwire 128, and a power supply wire 124. Further, the multiplicity oftransmission wires 117 may refer to a data transmission wire and a powersupply wire in the singularity without the use of the term “a first” or“a second.”

This disclosure herein may further relate to a selectable USB charger100 cable which is selectable for power transfer and selectable for datatransfer which may comprise a switch 120 for a permissible selection ofdata transfer or the permissible selection of power transfer between afirst electronically powered device 115 and a second electronicallypowered device 115. Further, a first plug 134 connected to one end of achord 132 and a second plug 136 connected to the other end of the chord132, where the chord 132 may span between the first plug 134 and thesecond plug 136. The first plug 134 may be configured to reversiblyengage with the first electronically powered device 115 and the secondplug 136 may be configured to reversibly engage with the secondelectronically powered device 115. It should be noted that connectorpins 112 which may be isolated to the first plug may be collectivelyreferred to as first plug connector pins 113 in further accord with theillustration of the dotted box in FIG. 17. Further, connector pinsisolated to the second plug may collectively be referred to as secondplug connector pins 119 in accord to the illustration in the dotted boxin FIG. 18). The first plug 134 may have a multiplicity of first plugconnector pins 113 wherein one or more than one of the connector pinsmay further each individually comprise a first plug power pin 156, afirst plug first data pin 158, a first plug second data pin 160, and afirst plug ground pin 162.

Additionally, the second plug 136 may also have a multiplicity of secondplug connector pins 119 wherein one or more than one of the connectorpins may individually further comprise a second plug power pin 162, asecond plug first data pin 166, a second plug second data pin 168, asecond plug identification pin 179, and a second plug ground pin 172.Further, the cord 132 may also have a multiplicity of transmission wires117 wherein at least one of the transmission wires 117 may eachindividually further comprise a first data transmission wire 126, asecond data transmission wire 128, and a power supply wire 124. Thetransmission wires 117, the first plug connector pins 113, and thesecond plug connector pins 119 may further be configured fortransmission of an electrical current, the electrical current may beeither power or data.

Further, the switch 120 may be configured to reversibly stop thetransmission of the electrical current between the first electronicallypowered device 115 and the second electronically powered device 115 byuse of the permissible selection of an on configuration or an offconfiguration of the switch 120. The switch 120 may also be connected tothe first data transmission wire 126 and be configured to permissivelycontrol the electrical conduction transmission of the first datatransmission wire 126. The switch 120 may also be connected to thesecond data transmission wire 128 and be configured to permissivelycontrol the electrical conduction transmission of the second datatransmission wire 128. The switch 120 may also be connected to the powersupply wire 124 and be configured to permissively control the electricalconduction transmission of the power supply wire 124. The switch 120 mayalso be connected to the first plug 134 or the second plug 136.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except bythe appended claims. Insofar as the description above and theaccompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is notwithin the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicatedto the public and the right to file one or more applications to claimsuch additional inventions is reserved.

What is claimed is: 1) A power and data transfer cable comprising: afirst plug connected to one end of a chord, a second plug connected tothe other end of the chord, the chord spanning between the first plugand the second plug; the chord configured for the transmission of anelectrical current; and, a switch configured to permissively control thetransmission of the electrical current by use of a reversible selectionof an on configuration or an off configuration of the switch. 2) Thepower and data transfer cable of claim 1 wherein the chord furthercomprises at least one or more than one a data transmission wire andleast one or more than one a power supply transmission wire; and,wherein the first plug and the second plug further comprise at least oneor more than one a connector pin for power and at least one or more thanone a connector pin for data. 3) The power and data transfer cable ofclaim 2 wherein the switch is connected to the data transmission wireand is configured to permissively control the electrical currenttherein. 4) The power and data transfer cable of claim 2 wherein theswitch is connected to the power supply transmission wire and isconfigured to permissively control the electrical current transmissiontherein. 5) The power and data transfer cable of claim 1 wherein theswitch is on the first plug. 6) The power and data transfer cable ofclaim 2 wherein the switch is on the second plug. 7) The power and datatransfer cable of claim 2 wherein the switch is on the chord. 8) A dataand power electable transfer cable comprising: a first plug connected toone end of a chord, a second plug connected to the other end of thechord, the chord spanning between the first and the second plug; thefirst plug having a multiplicity of first plug connector pins wherein atleast one or more than one of the connector pins further comprise afirst plug electrical power connector pin and a first plug electricaldata transmission connector pin; the second plug having a multiplicityof second plug connector pins wherein at least one or more than one ofthe connector pins further comprise a second plug electrical powerconnector pin and a second plug electrical data transmission connectorpin; the cord having a multiplicity of transmission wires wherein atleast one of the transmission wires each individually further comprise adata transmission wire and a electrical power transmission wire; and, aswitch being configured to permissively control the transmission of anelectrical current by use of a reversible selection of an onconfiguration or an off configuration of the switch. 9) The power anddata electable transfer cable of claim 8 wherein the switch is connectedto the data transmission wire and is configured to permissively controlthe electrical current transmission therein. 10) The power and dataelectable transfer cable of claim 8 wherein the switch is connected tothe electrical power transmission wire and is configured to permissivelycontrol the electrical current transmission therein. 11) The power anddata electable transfer cable of claim 8 wherein the switch is connectedto the first plug and is configured to permissively control theelectrical current transmission therein. 12) The power and dataelectable transfer cable of claim 8 wherein the switch is connected tothe second plug and is configured to permissively control the electricalcurrent transmission therein. 13) A selectable for power transfer andselectable for data transfer cable comprising: a switch for apermissible selection of data transfer and a permissible selection ofpower transfer between a first electronically powered device and asecond electronically powered device; a first plug connected to one endof a chord, a second plug connected to the other end of the chord, thechord spanning between the first plug and the second plug; the firstplug configured to reversibly engage with the first electronicallypowered device and the second plug configured to reversibly engage withthe second electronically powered device; the first plug having amultiplicity of first plug connector pins wherein at least one or morethan one of the connector pins further comprise a first plug electricalpower connector pin and a first plug electrical data transmissionconnector pin; the second plug having a multiplicity of second plugconnector pins wherein at least one or more than one of the connectorpins further comprise a second plug electrical power connector pin and asecond plug electrical data transmission connector pin; the cord havinga multiplicity of a transmission wires wherein at least one of thetransmission wires further comprise a data transmission wire and anelectrical power supply transmission wire; the transmission wires, thefirst plug connector pins, and the second plug connector pins all beingconfigured for a transmission of an electrical current; and, the switchconfigured to reversibly stop the transmission of the electrical currentbetween the first electronically powered device and the secondelectronically powered device by use of the permissible selection of anon configuration or an off configuration of the switch. 14) Theselectable for power transfer and selectable for data transfer cable ofclaim 13 wherein the switch is connected to the data transmission wireand is configured to permissively control the electrical currenttransmission therein. 15) The selectable for power transfer andselectable for data transfer cable of claim 13 wherein the switch isconnected to the electrical power supply transmission wire and isconfigured to permissively control the electrical current transmissiontherein. 16) The selectable for power transfer and selectable for datatransfer cable of claim 13 wherein the switch is connected to the firstplug. 17) The selectable for power transfer and selectable for datatransfer cable of claim 13 wherein the switch is connected to the secondplug. 18) The selectable for power transfer and selectable for datatransfer cable of claim 13 wherein the switch is connected to the chord.